Prior Learning Assessment

Our PLA program, designed around the CAEL Standards for PLA, allows you to earn credit when you demonstrate relevant, college-level knowledge gained through formal and informal work training, continuing education, self-instruction, professional certifications, and other learning.

Two primary ways to earn credit through PLA:

Option One | Documented credit [for certifications]

• Submit required documentation for your specific industry certifications.
• We’ll apply credit as applicable to your program.  

Option Two | Petition [for all other prior learning]

• Use the PLA petition to describe how you’ve mastered the concepts of a specific course and how you apply that knowledge.
• A Capella faculty expert reviews the petition to determine if credit should be awarded.
• Use the PLA lab, a free resource, to develop your petition(s).

View Capella's Prior Learning Assessment policy and PLA Fees

GuidedPath Eligibility

You are eligible for the PLA process if:

• You are currently enrolled in a PLA-eligible program at Capella (you must remain enrolled throughout the PLA process).
• Your course is PLA eligible.
• Your course meets the requirements of your program.

FlexPath Eligibility

• You can only submit PLA within 10 weeks of starting your first FlexPath course. FlexPath learners can petition selected courses, so work closely with your enrollment counselor to plan your PLA.

We accept more than 50 certifications including:

•  CISSP®
  
•  SHRM®-CP/SCP
  
•  PMP®
•  Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)